Comparing Westin, Pilot Automotive and Aries Step Bars for 2009 Chevy Silverado  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help you with that. The Pilot Automotive/Bully nerf bars are what I'd refer to as more of an entry-level product. Aries is more of a mid-priced option that are on par quality wise with the bars offered by Westin.

All three manufacturers offer similar warranties against manufacturer's defects. If it were in your shoes, here's how I'd make the decision. If I was planning on keeping the truck until it died of old age, I'd get the higher quality Westin bars like # 25-1405 in black powder coat or # 23-1400 in stainless.

If I were only planning on keeping the truck for another few years, I'd go with the Aries mid-priced option, # AA204048 for powdercoat black or # AA204048-2 for polished stainless. The Westin and Aries powder coated bars have a 3 year warranty, while the stainless from all three manufacturers have a limited lifetime warranty.

Because of where they're located on the truck, step bars will receive a lot of punishment. For maximum life, you'll want to keep stainless bars polished and waxed. You'll want to look at the underside of the powder coated bars occasionally, and touch up any chips in the finish so the bars don't rust.

expert reply by: Mike L

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